The NFL is entering a new era. Gone are the days when first-round rookies were the only picks to earn fully guaranteed deals. Heading into the 2025 season, second-round selections are looking to cash in on such deals. Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins broke the barrier for second-rounders.
The other 30 are looking to follow suit, but have yet to ink any contract with their new teams. With training camp fast approaching, many are wondering what it could mean for their attendance in the coming weeks. On Saturday, we finally got our answer. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Los Angeles Chargers rookie wideout Tre Harris is holding out of camp in search of guaranteed money.
By the looks of it, this will likely cause an avalanche of holdouts. Among those potential holdouts is Baltimore Ravens edge defender Mike Green. His off-the-field situation could generate a whole different set of concerns in contract negotiations. Still, with two other second-round rookies signing for full guarantees and the 55th pick holding out, Green will likely be eyeing the same contract.
Could Mike Green hold out?
Baltimore rookies report to training camp on July 15. Green has until then to get a deal done. If he and the front office cannot come to terms, he could be next in line to hold out. The 21-year-old is expected to be a crucial star in the Ravens’ defense, giving him some leverage in talks.
Green was the 59th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, he was a first-round talent. He was a superstar at Marshall, leading the nation with 17 sacks and tallying 23 tackles for a loss in his final season. From intangibles to technique, Green possesses nearly every desirable trait. After his college journey, though, it would be concerning to give Green the type of contract that Schwesinger and Higgins got.
He fell out of the top 32 picks due to two sexual assault charges he is currently facing. It was the reason he got dismissed from the Virginia Cavaliers football program in 2022. Many teams took him off their draft boards, but the Ravens took a chance on him. They conducted thorough investigations into the allegations and have complete confidence in his character, making them comfortable in selecting him. Still, it does not help their pending negotiations.
Green holding out would hurt. While the Ravens have a deep pass rush room, there was a lack of consistency in 2024. There was also a severe lack of explosiveness. Green can help on both of those fronts, so it would be wise to get everything sorted out ahead of training camp.